OVERVIEW A. Definition: Time study is a direct observation technique used to determine the time required for a qualified, well-trained person who is working at a normal pace to perform a defined task. B. The end result of time study is the standard time (sometimes called the allowed time) to perform a job or task. A job (or task) usually consists of several steps, called work elements. In most cases, time study is performed at the elemental level. For a specific work element, computation of a standard time involves three distinct steps: 1. Timing the element: Measuring the Observed Time (OT) 2. Performance Rating the element: Adjusting the observed time to correct for unusually slow or fast performance by the worker. The result of this adjustment is called the Normal Time (NT): NT = OT x Performance Rating 3. Determining Allowances: Time study is usually performed over a relatively short duration and does not consider the fact that a worker will experience interruptions and other delays over the course of a workday and will require breaks for personal needs and recovery. Allowances are added to the Normal Time compute th